Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2016
College/Unit
School of Public Health
Department/Program/Center
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Abstract
Background
The US National Physical Activity Plan (NPAP) was released in 2009 as a national strategic plan to increase physical activity (PA). The NPAP emphasized implementing state and local PA pro- grams. Dissemination of information about NPAP has been lim- ited, however.
Community Context
West Virginia is a predominantly rural state with high rates of chronic diseases associated with physical inactivity. In 2015 an evaluability assessment (EA) of the West Virginia Physical Activ- ity Plan (WVPAP) was conducted, and community stakeholders were invited to participate in updating the plan.
Methods
A good EA seeks stakeholder input, assists in identifying program areas that need improvement, and ensures that a full evaluation will produce useful information. Data for this EA were collected via national stakeholder interviews, document reviews, discussions among workgroups consisting of state and local stakehold- ers, and surveys to determine how well the WVPAP had been im- plemented.
Outcome
The EA highlighted the need for WVPAP leaders to 1) establish a specific entity to implement local PA plans, 2) create sector-spe- cific logic models to simplify the WVPAP for local stakeholders, 3) evaluate the PA plan’s implementation frequently from the out- set, 4) use quick and efficient engagement techniques with stake- holders when working with them to select strategies, tactics, and measurable outcomes, and 5) understand the elements necessary to implement, manage, and evaluate a good PA plan.
Interpretation
An EA process is recommended for other leaders of PA plans. Our project highlights the stakeholders’ desire to simplify the WVPAP so that it can be set up as a locally driven process that engages communities in implementation.
Digital Commons Citation
Abildso, Christiaan G.; Shawley, Samantha; Owens, Sherry; Dyer, Angela; Bulger, Sean M.; Jones, Dina L.; Jones, Emily M.; Murphy, Emily; Olfert, Melissa D.; and Elliott, Eloise, "An Evaluability Assessment of the West Virginia Physical Activity Plan, 2015: Lessons Learned for Other State Physical Activity Plans" (2016). Faculty & Staff Scholarship. 2978.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/faculty_publications/2978
Source Citation
Abildso CG, Shawley S, Owens S, Dyer A, Bulger SM, Jones DL, et al. An Evaluability Assessment of the West Virginia Physical Activity Plan, 2015: Lessons Learned for Other State Physical Activity Plans. Prev Chronic Dis 2016;13:160307. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5888/ pcd13.160307.